Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB)

CNET Editors' Rating

3.0 stars
    Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)

Good

Average User Rating

2 reviews

As shown: $349.99

See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert
Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - overview Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - front Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - side Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - back
Play Video
Scroll Left Scroll Right
  • Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - Video
  • Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - overview
  • Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - front
  • Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - side
  • Western Digital Essential Netcenter Network Hard Drive (320GB) - back

CNET Editors' Review

CNET Editors' Rating

3.0 stars Good
    Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
  • Setup and ease of use: 7.0
  • Features: 6.0
  • Performance: 7.0
  • Service and support: 7.0
  • Reviewed by: Jon L. Jacobi
  • Released on:
  • Reviewed on:
Edited by: Felisa Yang

The good: Lots of space; easy setup; USB ports to attach printers and additional storage.

The bad: Only 10/100 Ethernet; no direct connection via USB.

The bottom line: The NetCenter NAS drive is a solid SOHO shared storage drive at a fair price, making it a good choice for the average user.

Review:

If you're looking to add shared storage to your home or small-office network, there's no easier way to do it than with Western Digital's Essential NetCenter networked hard drive. Currently available in 120GB, 250GB, and 320GB capacities, the NetCenter suits a variety of storage needs. Installation and administration is a breeze. Those unfamiliar with configuring network storage can rely on the bundled EasyLink software to automatically map the NetCenter to a Windows drive letter and access the drive's HTML configuration and management utility. More-advanced users can simply type the drive's IP address (usually assigned by ... Expand full review

If you're looking to add shared storage to your home or small-office network, there's no easier way to do it than with Western Digital's Essential NetCenter networked hard drive. Currently available in 120GB, 250GB, and 320GB capacities, the NetCenter suits a variety of storage needs. Installation and administration is a breeze. Those unfamiliar with configuring network storage can rely on the bundled EasyLink software to automatically map the NetCenter to a Windows drive letter and access the drive's HTML configuration and management utility. More-advanced users can simply type the drive's IP address (usually assigned by your router with DHCP and found in your router's own HTML management utility) into their browser to administrate and map it using Windows' Map Network Drive from the Tools menu in My Network. Anyone concerned about data security should look into a RAID array, such as the Buffalo TeraStation or the LaCie Biggest F800. At first glance, the terabyte RAID arrays are obviously more expensive, but in a gigabyte-per-dollar breakdown, they're actually comparable to the NetCenter.

The Western Digital Essential NetCenter looks much like Western Digital's other external drives, with grooved, bluish-gray side panels and a silver band around the edges. The only button is the small power/standby button on the front of the unit. The back houses a 10/100 Ethernet port, as well as two USB 2.0 ports for attaching printers or expanding the NetCenter with more USB storage. That actually brings us to our only real gripe concerning the NetCenter: it lacks Gigabit Ethernet, which is starting to appear in home routers and allows for faster data transfer. We'd also like to see direct USB access, though the competition also lacks this feature--largely because Windows machines and Macs wouldn't natively understand the network file systems employed. Look for improved bridge chips that will allow this feature in the next generation of consumer NAS boxes to hit the market.

Western Digital ships the Essential NetCenter with an AC adapter, a detachable power cord, a Cat-5 Ethernet cable, and a small stand that allows you to orient the drive vertically on its narrow side. The software CD contains the aforementioned EasyLink software and PDFs of both the quick-install guide (a printed version is also inside the box) and the user guide, which is available only on the CD. Both docs are easy to follow and understand.

Hide Review

Compare to other network storages

Compare selected

select

Buffalo TeraStation NAS

Buffalo TeraStation NAS

  • Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5

select

Western Digital My Book Live

Western Digital My Book Live Starting at $159.00

  • Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5

select

Seagate GoFlex Home Network Storage System

Seagate GoFlex Home Network Storage System Starting at $132.95

  • Editor's rating: 3.0 out of 5

select

Synology DiskStation DS712+ - NAS server

Synology DiskStation DS712+ - NAS server Starting at $499.95

  • Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5

Average User Rating

2.0 stars out of 2 user reviews

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star: 0
  • 4 star: 1
  • 3 star: 0
  • 2 star: 0
  • 1 star: 1

My Rating

0 stars click stars to rate product

CNET Community

This product is on 3 user lists. Add to my list

Most recent user reviews

Showing 2 of 2 reviews

0.5 stars

"Junk a very poor design and manufacture." By mannmus

Pros: There are no pros to this item.

Cons: This drive contains a plastic switch which was made to break. Very poor design and manufacture. I will not buy another Western Digital product.

3.5 stars

"Excellent drive; beware not all printers are supported." By rjgentile

Pros: Works flawlessly.

Cons: WD does not support all drives, list is difficult to locate on their website.

Write a Review

Quickly sign in with: or Log in or create an account to post a review.
Add Your Opinion

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Click here to review our site terms of use.

Where to Buy

MSRP: $349.99
See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert

Specifications

See full specs

Quick Specs

  • Product Description: WD NetCenter WDXE3200JB - NAS server
  • Compatibility: Mac PC
  • Connector type [Oct 19, 2007 from CDS: Chopping Block]: RJ-45 4 pin USB Type A

Sponsored Premier Brands on CNET

Where to Buy

MSRP: $349.99
See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert

Which Wireless Network is right for me?

Laptop Finder

With so many possible ways to build a network, it pays to home in on the solution that best suits your needs before you buy.

We've compiled a handful of typical user profiles that should help outline what type of wireless network is right for you.

Read our guide